Teamwork helps ensure success of ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ at THS

Last week's Tonganoxie High School's production of "Annie Get Your Gun" went over well in the existing auditorium. During its three-night run, about 500 watched the play, which starred Paula Prosser as Annie Oakley, and Andy Koontz as Frank Butler.

But Harrell, who was technical director of the musical, said setting up the lighting in the auditorium is inconvenient. The stage lights, which are not original to the 40-year-old high school, require a climb up a ladder and a 20-foot-long crawl through a narrow passageway, to adjust for each show.

And, Harrell said, the new fine arts center likely will have a better lighting and sound system, as well as a convenient location for the pit orchestra. Currently the pit band sits at the back of the stage.

Harrell praised the work of those involved in the play, including Chris Delay, director, Joyce Steeby, vocal music director, and Charles VanMiddlesworth, instrumental director.

"We used to hire at least a pianist and a pit player for key parts from KU," Harrell said.

But now VanMiddlesworth takes charge of directing a student band for the performances.

"And Joyce does a fantastic job with the vocal," Harrell said. "The way they put the sound out is fantastic."

Jacob Jones, lights, Stephanie Lieber, sound, and Corey Brest and Jacque Jones, set. And these students contributed a minimum of 15 hours of technical support for the production: Erin Malone, Corey Brest and Jacque Jones.